Plein Air Marksville Returns Sept. 12

MARKSVILLE, La. — What began in 2019 as a simple idea—to invite artists to experience the beauty of Avoyelles Parish while sharing that experience with the community—has grown into one of Central Louisiana’s unique annual arts traditions.

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Plein Air Marksville (PAM) returns for its seventh annual outdoor painting competition, welcoming artists from Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi to paint the landscapes, historic architecture, and unique character of Marksville and Avoyelles Parish.

This year’s event welcomes acclaimed Louisiana artist, educator, and gallery owner Cheri Fry of St. Francisville as juror. Widely respected throughout Louisiana’s plein air community, Fry brings both experience and prestige to PAM 2026 and is expected to attract another outstanding field of artists from across the region.

Throughout the day, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore downtown Marksville and surrounding locations as artists paint outdoors “en plein air,” capturing the community in real time. The event concludes with a free Awards Reception and Wet-Art Sale from 5–7 p.m. at Gallery on the Square, where the public will have the first opportunity to view—and purchase—the artwork created during the day’s competition.

Each year, Plein Air Marksville welcomes 12–15 artists from Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, with several traveling to Marksville for the weekend. Visitors have the opportunity to watch artists at work throughout the day before meeting them at the Awards Reception and Wet-Art Sale, where the completed paintings are exhibited for the first time.

“Plein Air Marksville has always been about more than painting,” said founders Marjorie and David Shanks. “It’s about introducing artists to our community while giving residents the opportunity to watch professional artists create original works from start to finish. We hope people will spend the day exploring Marksville, visit with the artists, and join us for the Awards Reception and Wet-Art Sale.”

Community Partnerships Help Make PAM Possible

Plein Air Marksville continues to thrive thanks to the support of local businesses, organizations, and volunteers who believe in celebrating the arts and showcasing the unique character of Avoyelles Parish.

Paragon Casino Resort is providing accommodations for juror Cheri Fry, while the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism continues its support of the event and regional promotion. The Arts Council of Avoyelles will once again host the Awards Reception and Wet-Art Sale at Gallery on the Square, and Broken Wheel Brewery will welcome artists for the traditional gathering following the day’s competition. Y-Not Shop is contributing artist awards that help recognize outstanding work created during the event.

Additional local businesses and volunteers continue to support Plein Air Marksville through artist awards, in-kind donations, promotional assistance, and volunteer service.

Event Schedule

Gallery on the Square – Downtown Marksville

9:00 a.m. – Artist Check-in and Registration (complimentary coffee and refreshments)

3:00 p.m. – Painting Turn-In

3:00–5:00 p.m. – Artist Gathering at Broken Wheel Brewery

5:00–7:00 p.m. – Awards Reception and Wet-Art Sale (Free and Open to the Public)

About Plein Air Marksville

Founded on November 2, 2019, by Marjorie and David Shanks, Plein Air Marksville is an annual community-organized plein air painting competition celebrating the landscapes, history, architecture, and culture of Avoyelles Parish. Organized entirely by volunteers, the event welcomes artists from across the Gulf South while providing residents and visitors the opportunity to watch artists paint outdoors and experience a same-day exhibition and sale. One hundred percent of artwork sales go directly to the participating artists.

Artist registration is now open through Eventbrite.

For more information and event updates, visit the Plein Air Marksville Facebook page.

Contact:
David Shanks
Plein Air Marksville
dshanks@lsua.edu
225-287-6623